It’s important for service providers to not assume everyone identifies as heterosexual or straight (sexual orientation) and as their sex assigned at birth, male or female, (gender). When these assumptions are wrong, they can affect access to services.

Why am I being asked about my sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity? Is this a question you are being asked during an intake with an older adult? If so then this fact sheet is for you.

The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging is supported, in part, under a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to freely express their findings and conclusions. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and endorsement by the Federal Government should not be assumed. All Rights Reserved.